Students interested in the French Studies major should take the online French placement exam or submit a qualifying standardized test score (see Placement Information below) in order to identify their appropriate course level as they start their studies. Students in the major typically take at least one course in French every semester. They are also strongly encouraged to study abroad in a French-speaking country and to avail themselves of other international opportunities such as the Richter and Maes scholarships.
French Studies
Students interested in the French Studies major should take the online French placement exam or submit a qualifying standardized test score (see Placement Information below) in order to identify their appropriate course level as they start their studies. Students in the major typically take at least one course in French every semester. They are also strongly encouraged to study abroad in a French-speaking country and to avail themselves of other international opportunities such as the Richter and Maes scholarships.
Placement Information
For detailed placement information, please see the Language Study & Placement page.
Sample 4-Year Plan
French Majors (starting at 101-level)
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Fall
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Spring
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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300-level FREN
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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Curricular Notes
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A maximum of three courses may be taken outside the department, including those taken on study abroad programs.
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Only one FREN elective may be taken in English.
French Transfer Student Advice
Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: 3 courses
Designated Transfer Adviser
Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in French:
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Junior transfers should have language proficiency equivalent to FREN 202 or higher. They should have completed at least two-thirds of their core requirements.
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No specific preparation is required for students transferring in as sophomores or midway through their sophomore year, though previous language experience will allow for additional flexibility.
What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?
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Junior transfers should take FREN 202 unless they have already completed an equivalent course; in that case, they should take a 300-level course. Spring transfers should contact the transfer adviser or department chair as early as possible to discuss their plans.
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Other transfer students should take a placement exam or use prior coursework to determine the appropriate French language course to take during their first semester.
Spanish Studies
Students interested in the Spanish Studies major should take the online Spanish placement exam or submit a qualifying standardized test score (see Placement Information below) in order to identify the appropriate course to start their studies. Students in the major typically take at least one course in Spanish every semester. They are also strongly encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country and to avail themselves of other international opportunities such as the Richter and Maes scholarships.
Placement Information
For detailed placement information, please see the Language Study & Placement page.
Sample 4-Year Plan
Spanish Studies Major (starting at 101-level)
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Fall
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Spring
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Year 1
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Fall FYS course
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SPAN 101
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Core Requirement
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Core Requirement
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Year 2
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Year 3
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300-level SPAN (Literature)
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300-level SPAN (Linguistics)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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300-level SPAN (Literature)
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300-level SPAN
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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Year 4
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SPAN 490 (Senior Seminar)
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300-level SPAN
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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300-level SPAN
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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General Elective (4 units)
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Curricular Notes
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Once course must be numbered 340 or higher
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A maximum of three courses may be taken outside the department, including those taken on study abroad programs
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Only one course may be taken in English
Spanish Transfer Student Advice
Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: 3 courses
Designated Transfer Adviser
Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Spanish:
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Junior transfers should have language proficiency equivalent to SPAN 202 or higher. They should have completed at least two-thirds of their Core requirements.
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No specific preparation is required for students transferring in as sophomores or midway through their sophomore year, though previous language experience will allow for additional flexibility.
What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?
-
Junior transfers should take SPAN 202 unless they have already completed an equivalent course; in that case, they should take a 300-level course. Spring transfers should contact the transfer adviser or department chair as early as possible to discuss their plans.
-
Other transfer students should take a placement exam or use prior coursework to determine the appropriate Spanish language course to take during their first semester.